Join Joel Palathinkal and Rusty Ralston from Swell VC as they delve into Rusty's investment strategy and career journey. They discuss the influence of people on company outcomes, especially in early-stage investing, and the role of AI in talent evaluation. Discover the impact of company culture on startups, with case studies on attracting top talent. Rusty shares insights on transitioning from an emerging manager to institutional capital and expectations post-funding, along with the origins of Swell VC. They explore parallels between creative industries and venture capital, work-life balance, and well-being's role in productivity. The episode wraps up with audience Q&A and future plans. (0:00) Leading with value and high performing teams (0:33) Introduction to the podcast and guest (1:00) Guest's background and investment strategy (2:20) Welcoming the guest and his career journey (3:07) Role of people in company outcomes and investing at early stages (6:17) AI in talent evaluation and the intangibles in founders (9:46) Company culture and its impact on startups (14:28) Case studies and attracting top talent (19:51) Transitioning from emerging manager to institutional capital and startup life cycle (27:20) Expectation changes post-funding and Swell VC's origin (35:13) Parallels between creative industries and venture capital (42:44) Managing work-life balance as an emerging manager (47:08) The significance of well-being for productivity (49:11) Audience Q&A and key takeaways (51:08) Closing remarks and future plans